Feature: Alarming suicide cases in Zimbabwe: A Call to Action

Suicides have reached alarming proportions in Zimbabwe with several reasons being cited for their cause.

These include gender-based violence, drug and substance abuse, stress and depression due to failed love affairs or marriages, as well as economic and financial challenges.

Suicide is the taking of one’s own life in response to a difficult situation and, unfortunately, it is preventable.

For centuries, suicide has been viewed in a variety of ways, from a personal choice to a moral failing. Recently, however, it has been recognized as a human rights issue.

Suicides affect every section of society, the youth, middle aged, the elderly and they are increasing among young citizens under the age of 30, with the trend now including children as young as nine years old.

In Zimbabwe suicides occur frequently, any time and anyhow, depending on different circumstances and environmental settings.

“In the year 2021, at least 827 suicide cases were reported while 721 were registered in 2022,” said national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

Suicides have far-reaching consequences to surviving relatives and/affected families. However, due to its sensitivity in society, most cases go unreported.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s 2019 data, Zimbabwe has a suicide rate of 14 per 100 000.

Globally, about 800,000 people die due to suicide practices, says WHO. According to the Global Burden of Disease of 2019, suicide accounts for 1.3 percent of all deaths worldwide. Further, WHO noted in 2021 that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among the youth.

Statistics from Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, the country’s second largest city, indicate that 58 people have been admitted for suicide attempts since the beginning of this year, compared to 15 over the same period last year. Most of those who attempted suicide were under 29 years.

Suicide cases have also skyrocketed among the 15–29-year-old age group. In 2019, at least 14 people out of every 100 000 died due to suicide (14.10 percent).

In 2021, four students in Zimbabwean tertiary institutions (Harare Polytechnic, Great Zimbabwe University and National University of Science and Technology) took their own lives with the motivations including failed love affairs, and unfulfilled marriage promises.

A Grade Six learner at Seke 12 Primary School in Chitungwiza recently took poison after his teacher and parents discussed her dismal Continuous Assessment Learning Activity performance.

In Bulawayo, another pupil was reprimanded by her mother for failing to bring food to their market stall at Mabuthweni High density Suburb shops, resulting in the child taking poison, according to media reports.

In interviews, a number of experts and faith leaders explained the reasons for suicide and suggested solutions to end/reduce this scourge.

Dr. Debra Machando, a psychologist said: “Suicidal thoughts can arise from many circumstances. Commonly, they come from feeling overwhelmed by life and lacking optimism about the future. In these moments, a person may become fixated on the idea that suicide is the only resolution”.

Reverend Dr Eliot Mashonganyika, a Methodist priest, also weighed in: “A minor issue can also provoke intense fear, causing someone to act recklessly and take their own life”.

He noted that mental illnesses, in addition to alcohol abuse, are common causes of suicide among youth.

“Alcohol abuse elevates the risk of suicidal behaviour in several ways. Intoxication can cause impulsiveness and psychological distress, known to increase the risk of suicide. Additionally, alcoholism exacerbates the symptoms of mood disorders, which are closely linked to suicide.”

Father Moreblessing Musakatiza, a Catholic Priest who has counselled people suffering from depression, identified the inability to meet financial stability expectations as a cause for people to have a sense of failure in life.

He pointed out: “Handling disappointment poorly, substance abuse, and experiencing domestic violence can lead to an increased risk for suicide. Bullying and traumatic experiences such as childhood sexual abuse, rape, or physical abuse can have long-term effects, increasing individuals’ risk of suicide even years after the trauma has occurred”.

Pastor Richard Huchena, of the Faith Ministries Church, has also counselled individuals affected by suicide.

“The primary causes of despair and despondency are terminal illnesses with no treatment and job loss with no hope of employment”, he explained.

He also noted that some of the women were withdrawn due to rejection after an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, marital issues, and being jilted by a lover.

Research indicates that suicide prevention is attainable in Zimbabwe and to do this, the Government should develop a national strategy clearly expressing its commitment. It is critical to coordinate between public and private stakeholders for success.

Health workers should provide rehabilitation and individual follow-up care to those who attempt suicide, as they are highly likely to fall into the same trap in the future.

Social support from community members can help those who are at risk of suicide by increasing their resilience and sense of relatedness. The government should lead by example to create safe environments for those who are vulnerable.

Responsible media coverage on suicide can also reduce the challenge by educating the public on the risks, causes, and available assistance.

New Ziana